2023 Kia Sportage vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2023 Kia Sportage emerged with a completely redesigned look, reminiscent of French automotive styling. Its bold and exotic appearance, highlighted by boomerang-shaped daytime running lights and textured metal trim on the D Pillar, made it stand out in the compact crossover segment. The Sportage offered seven trim levels, including new options like the X-Line, X-Pro, and X-Pro Prestige. Inside, Kia opted for synthetic leather upholstery, maintaining a balance between durability and style, though some might have missed the feel of genuine leather. The driver’s seat provided excellent visibility, and the dashboard featured an impressive display, though some interior elements felt typical for its class.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS exuded a refined elegance with its modern design. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured 22-inch AMG rims, a new silver grille, and Twilight Blue paint, creating a sophisticated exterior. Inside, the Bahia Brown over Black interior with Grey Oak trim and polished aluminum accents showcased Mercedes’ attention to detail. The GLS offered a luxurious experience with comfortable seating, including massaging front seats and heated rear seats, ensuring a pleasant journey for all passengers. However, accessing the third row proved cumbersome, and the space was snug for adults.

The 2023 Kia Sportage offered a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, it was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While more powerful than its predecessor, the Sportage lacked the turbocharged engine option from previous models, which some drivers might have missed. The X-Line and X-Pro trims added rugged visual cues and off-road capabilities, with the X-Pro featuring all-terrain tires and specific drive modes. Despite its off-road prowess, the Sportage’s on-road performance was less thrilling, with noticeable body lean and road noise.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid technology, delivered 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated smoothly, reaching 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel-drive system provided a seamless driving experience. The GLS offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle’s dynamics. With a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a fuel economy of 21 mpg combined, the GLS balanced power and efficiency. Its adaptive air suspension and large tires contributed to its impressive handling, though some road conditions caused minor oscillations.

The 2023 Kia Sportage, now larger than its predecessor, offered increased interior space, with 41.3 inches of rear-seat legroom and 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding the rear seats expanded the cargo area to 74.1 cubic feet. The front seats provided ample storage, but the touch-sensitive HVAC controls proved frustrating, complicating basic functions.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured luxurious leather surfaces, massaging front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The second-row captain’s chairs offered excellent thigh support, though accessing the third row was challenging. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with seats folded. Interior storage was decent, though the front center bin was small.

The 2023 Kia Sportage impressed with its technology, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen and driver information display on higher trims. However, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on top trims puzzled some users. The Sportage included wireless charging, rear USB-C ports, and a Harman Kardon stereo on select trims, offering advanced tech at a reasonable price.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS boasted the latest MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch displays. While the system was intuitive, touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and center console caused occasional frustration. Despite this, MBUX’s voice recognition and augmented reality navigation were standout features, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Kia Sportage came equipped with standard collision-avoidance tech, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. However, crash-test ratings were not yet available.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered over 20 safety features, with adjustable settings through MBUX. The ADAS performed smoothly, with effective forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering systems handled various driving conditions with ease, providing a reassuring experience.